Finding a lump under your skin can make anyone panic. However, not all lumps found can be cancerous.
Having it checked out by a medical professional can give you peace of mind and access to early treatment if the lump is cancerous. We will break down the three types of lumps that can appear under your skin and what each one means.
Cysts
Women can develop what is known as benign lumps. According to Stony Brook Medicine, 80 -85% of lumps are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous. Benign lumps usually occur in women who are younger than 40 years old.
Women can develop benign cysts that normally occur on the ovaries. A cyst is a sac that is filled with air, fluid, or other material. The symptoms of a cyst on the breast:
Red and swollen
Blackhead developed in the centre
Tender breasts
It moves under the skin when touched
There is a discharge that is white, yellow, or green
Keep in mind that many types of cysts can differ in symptoms, meaning it’s still advisable to consult a medical practitioner.
Tumors
Should you be worried if you develop a tumor? The answer to this depends as tumors can be benign or malignant (cancerous). Both cysts and tumors can appear in the skin, organs, tissue, and bones. The difference between a benign and malignant tumor is that benign tumors tend to grow in one place while malignant tumors cause new tumors to develop in other places of the body.
A tumor is an abnormal cell growth that results in a fast-growing lump, tends to have no discharge, is firm and doesn’t move under the skin when you touch it. A cancerous tumor can divide itself across your body, attacking your lymph nodes. It is vital to consult a doctor or a GP as soon as you find one.
Fibrocystic Changes
This is a general lumpiness that occurs as women age, especially as they approach menopause. If your breasts feel; tender, granular, rubbery, have thickening of tissue, round-filled cysts, or ropey, it’s likely that you are experiencing a fibrocystic change. These are usually benign, and it affects at least half of all women.
Your doctor could recommend an ultrasound or a fine needle procedure that removes cells from the lump to test if it is cancerous. You will be called in for further testing should they find anything suspicious.
Checking your breasts at least once a month can lead to early detection. Checking your breasts after you have your periods, or on a date you can remember such as payday can make sure that you do not forget to consistently check your breast for any abnormalities.